Kenya Extends Temporary Petrol and Diesel Sulphur Limit for Another Six Months

The Kenyan government has extended the temporary adjustment of sulphur limits in petrol and diesel for another six months, citing continued uncertainty in international fuel supply chains.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 11, by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. It allows imported petrol and diesel to contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram (50mg/kg) under the temporary arrangement.

The extension applies to the country’s standards for automotive gasoline (petrol) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The government says it followed a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation by the National Standards Council.

According to Kinyanjui, disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, have affected global petroleum supply chains.

The government says the adjustment will give fuel suppliers access to a wider range of available sources and reduce the risk of shortages in Kenya.

The measure was first introduced in April 2026 and was due for review after six months. Authorities have now extended it for a further six months, with the possibility of an earlier review if international supply conditions improve.

Sulphur is an important fuel-quality parameter because burning sulphur-containing fuels contributes to air pollution. The 50mg/kg figure is the permitted maximum under the temporary arrangement; it does not mean every fuel delivery will contain that amount.

The announcement does not itself change pump prices. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) remains responsible for announcing monthly maximum retail fuel prices.

The extension highlights the government’s effort to balance reliable fuel supplies with fuel-quality and environmental considerations.

Afriscope feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com